Souris Beach Erosion Control Fences

Damaged section of erosion control fence

In 2011, the Souris & Area Wildlife Branch of the PEI Wildlife Federation in conjunction with the Town of Souris, installed snow fences anchored by steel stakes to test the plausibility of enhancing the natural build up of the sand dune system.

The fences were installed at 30 degree angles to take advantage of the westerly winds, and in straight lines in areas that where there was not enough sand to accommodate this angle.

These fences proved successful and have exceeded our expectations in the amount of sand collected. The high winds and ice scouring over the winter damaged several of these fences. Many of the steel stakes were bent over or broken and the wood in the snow fencing was damaged as well.

On Friday May 23, Souris & Area Wildlife Branch staff spent the day repairing wooden sections and straightening the steel posts that could be salvaged to ensure these fences remain in working condition and are aesthetically pleasing.

Staff noted that sections on the west end of the beach, where tidal influence is not as prominent, are doing exceptionally. Some fences only had about 2 feet remaining not buried in the sand in some sections. It was also noted that sections where we experimented with spruce boughs weaved within the fence retained more sand than without.

We will assess these fences again later this spring and make the necessary repairs.